The Story
Lawry's The Prime Rib opened in Chicago in 1974, occupying the stunning 1890s Beaux-Arts McCormick Mansion that had previously housed the famous Kungsholm Puppet Theater. For nearly half a century, Lawry's brought its signature silver cart service to Chicago, with white-jacketed carvers presenting glistening roasts of prime rib tableside.
The restaurant became a go-to destination for special occasions - anniversaries, business deals, and family celebrations. The ornate dining room, with its rich wood paneling and formal service, offered an Old World elegance that felt both timeless and distinctly Chicago.
In September 2020, owner Ryan Wilson announced the devastating news: Lawry's would not reopen. The combination of the coronavirus pandemic, civil unrest on Michigan Avenue, and an expiring lease made reopening impossible. On New Year's Eve 2020, the doors closed for the last time.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Carved tableside from a silver cart, served with Yorkshire pudding, creamy horseradish, and their famous spinning salad bowl
Crisp iceberg lettuce spun tableside with Lawry's signature dressing
💡 Did You Know?
- The building was originally the L. Hamilton McCormick mansion, built in the 1890s
- Before Lawry's, the space housed the famous Kungsholm Puppet Theater, known for its miniature opera productions
- After closing, over 1,000 items from the restaurant were auctioned off, including bronze lion statues and chandeliers
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Building underwent extensive renovations; future use TBD
Original Address: 100 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611